Gay men in sauna
My life in sex: ‘Many men attend gay saunas. Very few will say you that they do’
I first visited a gay sauna 25 years ago and have done so about once every six weeks since. I once heard such visits described as “holidays from morality”, but that has not been my life. Only adults are admitted; all that happens is by mutual consent; no one is exploited; common courtesy and consideration for others are the unwritten rules that are generally observed.
Though I have always enjoyed nudity, I used to think of my body as unattractive. I’m now 64, and encounters in the sauna have taught me that not everyone else finds it so, which has enhanced my confidence. For years I disliked my given name. I hold made a aim of telling it to those I have met in the sauna; hearing it repeated with tenderness and fire has taught me to love it.
When clothes are off, intentions clear and vulnerability shared, men talk honestly to men they may know only then and may never meet again. I have had thick conversations with people whose experience of life has been quite unlike my own, and we have played together for the reciprocal affirmation, delight and healing that only such intimacy can bring. My e
Did you know that men contain been cruising each other for sex at bathhouses since the 15th century?
While the original intention of men’s bathhouses may include been hygiene, today’s gay bathhouses or saunas, along with other types of sex-on-premises-venue (SOPV) or sex venues, are intended as places where you can get together others for casual sex. SOPVs offer a place to examine and play with a wider variety of people, many of whom might not appear on a dating app grid.
Walking around a gay sauna or SOPV, you might quickly realise a whole new set of rules is at play; with everything from navigating consent to existence comfortable in a sexualised room, there can be a lot to learn. Here’s what you should know before heading into a sex venue for the first time.
How does a queer sauna operate?
Like a hotel, you’ll arrive at your venue, and there will be a front desk where you’ll pay an admission fee, and in restore, you’ll receive a locker key and a towel.
From there, it’s a matter of heading to the changerooms to change into the towel and store your clothes in a locker. Upon arriving, many people will also shower to freshen up, and many venues may have douching facilities if you want t
This guide jumps into the gay sauna experience worldwide, uncovering their cultural significance, where they thrive, regional differences, and what to anticipate during your see. We also list some of our favorite gay saunas around the society, so you can find a queer sauna near you when you are traveling. Be sure to also not miss our blueprint down below!
Whether you’re a seasoned sauna-goer or stepping into a gay sauna for the first time, this exploration will help you navigate the scene with confidence. From practical amenities to more intimate encounters, we’ve got you covered!
Understanding Gay Saunas
What is a Lgbtq+ Sauna?
Gay bathhouses, long-standing sanctuaries and social hubs, offer a safe, welcoming space for relaxation, connection, and leisure within the gay community.
Men's Bathhouses: Cultural and Regional Differences in Bathhouse Traditions
While homosexual saunas offer a unique experience tailored to the homosexual community, understanding the broader cultural context of communal bathing can enhance your appreciation of these spaces. Whether in a historic Roman bath, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish hammam, a Russian banya, or a tranquil Japanese onsen, the essen
The Freddie Guide to: Bathhouses
What is a bathhouse?
Bathhouses – also known as baths, saunas, or gay saunas – are spaces where queer men* meet to socialise, relax and own sex. They are legal, licensed sex venues, as opposed to regular saunas or steam rooms where people cruise.
The number of gay bathhouses in North America peaked in the 1970s. Most of them closed in the 1980s, as local governments made public health rules to curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These rules were often rooted in homophobia.
Today, there are still bathhouses in most major cities across the world. You can find them through Google or on cruising sites like Squirt and Sniffies.
* Historically, bathhouses only admitted cisgender men. They are generally becoming more inclusive. Many have more relaxed door policies or assigned times and events that are safer spaces for trans and non-binary people. If this applies to you, it’s best to check online or notify ahead before visiting a venue for the first time.
When you arrive
When you arrive at a bathhouse, you’ll get to a front desk with an attendant. This is where you’ll pay for your entry along with any extras like private rooms (if the venue